Chief Executive Officer-Washington, DC.

EarthEcho International aims to empower youth to take action that restores and protects our water planet. With a commitment to inspire and engage young people around the globe, EarthEcho equips youth with relevant tools, interactive resources, and timely information to help them participate in solving environmental challenges. EarthEcho utilizes a proven educational model called ‘service-learning’ to help students identify the root of a problem, develop an action plan and execute that plan in their community.

EarthEcho International is seeking an ambitious and dynamic Chief Executive Officer to take the organization to a new level of success by establishing EarthEcho as the premier organization uniquely focused on youth and the environment. The CEO will play an important role in communicating the vision of the organization alongside Philippe Cousteau, President, and the Board of Directors, while ensuring success in the areas of resource generation, management, programming and marketing. S/he will develop goals and strategies that will lead to EarthEcho’s continued growth in programs, both domestically and internationally. This includes leading the organization’s development efforts, as well as identifying and capitalizing on major funding opportunities. The CEO will report to Philippe Cousteau, and will be located in Washington, DC.

About the Position

The CEO will work closely with Philippe Cousteau and the Board of Directors to set the strategic direction for the organization in alignment with EarthEcho’s core mission and growth goals. This individual will help position EarthEcho as the premier organization for “teaching, learning and doing” in the environmental space. The CEO will be responsible for managing all operations including fundraising, program development, and team building. S/he will develop goals and implement strategies to ensure the continued growth, success and financial sustainability of the organization. This individual will also be responsible for managing the effectiveness and integrity of all resource development activities including cultivating donors, establishing new partnerships, and maintaining positive relationships with existing supporters.

Other responsibilities include:

• Thoroughly understand EarthEcho International, its mission, policies, culture, values, history, key stakeholders, programs and finances.
• Serve as the leader of the Executive Team, engaging all members to ensure and deliver fundraising and programmatic success.
  • Participate and engage the Board in all facets of fundraising, including working with individuals, corporate executives, foundation contacts, and other donors and prospects, particularly at the six- and seven-figure levels.
  • Develop a funding and growth plan that engages actively interested donors and prospects that will deliver substantial sustained growth for EarthEcho.
  • Act as the primary point of contact for all major external marketing relationships.
• Establish trust and maintain strong relationships with board members, staff, donors, partners, and other supporters of EarthEcho.
• Actively seek opportunities to expand awareness of the work and mission of the organization.

• Work with Philippe and the Board to establish and execute long-range strategic and annual operating priorities.
• Serve as the internal leader of the organization. Oversee and administer effective operations of all EarthEcho programs including developing a cohesive, high-performing team, and providing overall financial oversight and monitoring.
• Serve as a polished and credible external representative of the organization when necessary, particularly in fundraising, communications, and awareness activities.

Ensure that sound fundraising plans are integrated, supported, and successfully implemented across the organization.
Establish and lead a comprehensive communications and digital marketing program that will leverage EarthEcho’s momentum and the Cousteau legacy to establish the organization as essential in the environmental space for youth.

Ensure programs are operated efficiently and successfully.
Analyze opportunities for growth based on changing needs and pursue opportunities that can be successful.

Ideal Experience

The CEO must have a minimum of 7 years of successful operational, fundraising, and management experience within dynamic non-profit organizations. S/he must have a strong background as an executive leader with experience mentoring staff, developing strategies to support growth, and maintaining strong relationships internally and externally. The successful candidate will display a strong sense of sophistication and will have demonstrated success in thinking creatively to capture ideas that can be developed into successful marketing, fundraising, and programmatic initiatives.

• A Bachelor’s degree is required; advanced degree and a record of continuing professional development preferred.
• Prior success developing and implementing effective strategic plans, as well as operational strategies that support growth.
• A deep, broad knowledge of development, including individual major gift, corporate, and foundation fundraising at the six- figure level and above.
• Proven ability to conceptualize and describe funding needs in a way that is compelling to potential donors, as well as the ability to close.
• A strong record as an effective leader with the ability to leverage Philippe’s time and abilities, as well as the assets of staff and Board members, to maximize opportunities.
• Experience engaging Board members and other high-level volunteers/supporters in the fundraising process.
• Knowledge of planning, finance, budgeting, and marketing for organizations.

The ideal candidate will possess:

Strong commitment to the mission and vision of EarthEcho with the ability to serve as a strong, compelling representative for the organization internally and externally.

• The capacity to build and maintain strong relationships with constituents, members, donors, and other stakeholders of varied backgrounds.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to be entrepreneurial and creative.
• Demonstrated success in setting priorities and guiding investment in people, systems, and groups.
• Professional maturity, credibility, honesty, and integrity.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively and persuasively (both in writing and orally) to a variety of audiences; confident public speaker and presenter.
• Ability to engage and motivate diverse groups to raise money and achieve fundraising goals.
• Intelligence, confidence, high energy, and passion, as well as the ability to strategically harness the passion of others to maximize development opportunities.
• Keen attention to detail with the ability to solve problems.
  • Affinity for environmental and youth-focused missions desired.

To Apply

Questions, resumes and CVs should be sent to:[email protected].

EarthEcho International is an Equal Opportunity Employer.